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Sex with patient leads to Glenview doctor’s suspension of license
Updated: February 11, 2013 2:44PM
GLENVIEW — The Appellate Court of Illinois concurred with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation that the license of a physician and surgeon with practices in Glenview and Skokie should be indefinitely suspended, for engaging in sex with a female 19-year-old patient seeking psychiatric care.
The court findings against William Joel Kafin also stated he provided alcohol to the minor, smoked marijuana with her and prescribed controlled substances after the physician/patient relationship ended.
In addition, Kafin, then 58, had the woman accompany him on medical rounds and introduced her as his medical intern, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
The department’s director also fined Kafin $5,000.
Kafin would not comment today on the judgment, but said the decision was under appeal in Cook County Circuit Court.
His attorney, Bob Baurschmidt, confirmed the appeal, and said the relationship was in 2002.
On Sept. 28, 2007, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation filed a complaint against Kafin, alleging he violated the Medical Practice Act of 1987 by engaging in the relationship.
In 2010, an administrative law judge concluded the department “proved by clear and convincing evidence” that Kafin violated the act.
Later that year, the Medical Disciplinary Board accepted the law judge’s ruling.
In 2011, the department’s director agreed with the board’s findings, but rejected disciplinary actions, and instead ordered Kafin’s registration be revoked and assessed a $5,000 fine.
Kafin then requested Cook County Circuit court review of the director’s decision based on improper testimony and that the penalty was too severe.
The court affirmed the director’s action, and the department revoked his medical license on July 15, 2011.
On appeal, the Appellate Court of Illinois agreed with the director, yet said the revocation was “overly harsh” based on past cases.
The department removed the revocation, but stayed Kafin’s three-year license suspension.
“We disagree with the director’s finding,” Baurschmidt said.
He said Kafin also had a Skokie practice, and a telephone recorded message said he had a medical office at 706 Waukegan Road, Glenview.~,
